The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-08-18
INDIANA w. r. G. TROUBLES
Eighty-Fiye Auxiliaries Respond to Mrs.
Wulschner's Call for q Convention.
Consideration of the Question Whether or
Not to Cut Loose from the National Organ
ization-Mrs. Wulschner's Reception.

ization-Mrs. Wulschners Reception.
Eighty-fve delegates were present at the State
convention of the Wonan's Relief Corps, yester-
day afternoon, in George H. Thomas Post Hall.
Less than dozen Of the auxiliary organizations
of the State were not represented, which indi-
cat that although the Indianapolis branch, of
which Mrs. Flora Wul schner is president, is not
recognized by the commander of the national en-
campment, it nevertheless embraces nearly all
the working corps of the State 1t is the first
reunion the organization under Mrs
Wulschner's administration has held
and was called By the president for
several reasons. Since she became president
new auxiliaries have sprung up rapidly that
it was impossible to visit them personally and
give them the necessary instructions regarding
the work to be done. The principal object in
calling the meeting, however, was for the pur-
pose of determining what action to take
with reference to the national convention
which is to assemble in st. Louis There
has been a difference of opinion as to whether
the Indiana corps represented by Mr.. Wulschner
should appoint delegates and seek admission
to the convention. The president of the nation
al association has already recognized the South
Bend faction as the lawful Indiana auxiliary.
and has given notice that the Indianapolis
branch would not be recognized in the conven-
ton without a fight For some time there has
been feeling that the proper thing to do would
be to cut loose from the national association
entirely, and become independent organiza-
ton. To harmonic these various views will be
the principal work of the convention.
The forenoon yesterday given up TO the
exemplifcation of the ritual by the ladies of the
Indianapolis corps for the benefit of the dele
gates from the newly organized corps through
out the State. The secret work did not conclude
until after o'clock and then an open session
was held for the discussion of the various ques
tions under consideration.
Mrs. Wulschner the president. then delivered
an address which covered very ably the work Of
the State organization since she became its
presiding officer. Since May 1, she said,
corps have been organized represent
ing a very large membership. A large increase
in the older corps has also been reported. The
official books show membership of ], $50.
Every corps in indianapolis. she said,
stood solidly by the Indianapolis branch Chap
man corps was the last to come in, and it did not
come until Monday. Counting number of
members who were not recorded in the annual
reports" said she, II believe We can now claim
thus overbalancing Indiana's total mem bership
at the 4th annual convention. held before the
disruption occurred" Mrs. Wuschner paid a
high ribute to assistants who have been earnest
in their work of establishing new corps since she
took charge. In referring to the trouble in the
organization. she said: ''Therehas been some
soon be healed and settled forever. We
have not expended our energies in any struggle
with those who should be our sisters and coop
orators in this noble work"
Following Mrs. Wulschners address there was
general discussion of the ACCESSIBILITY OF send
ing delegates to the national convention, and
also addressing memorial to the convention
setting forth the causes of the rupture in the
State association. Quite number of the dele
gates from the larger corps addressed the meet
ing, and all expressed themselves in favor of not
only appointing delegates to the convention, but
making a determined fight for recognition. The
advisory committee from the G. A r.
present by invitation, and their advice to
what to do was asked. In response,
General Carnahan spoke at length. He
thought delegates should be sent, but
still believed that the State organization
could be of more service TO the needy if it cut
loose from the national association entirely.
He stated that heretofore 80 per cent. of the
an cunt of money collected was turned over to
the national committee and for what it was
spent the State organization knew not. There
was no reason, he thought why there should be
a national organization. The G. A. r. had a
national organization for the purpose OF Sc
curing helpful laws. It could not meet Congress
without such an organization. He was in favor
of each State looking after its own soldiers and
their orphans. He gave it as his opinion that
Maine and Massachusetts were about to with
draw from the national association, and he
thought other States would do likewise The
State organization, he thought should make an
effort to get recognition in the St Louis conven-
ton. and afterward determine what course TO
pursue.
ExMayor McMaster said he had for some
time felt like advising the organization to cut
loose from the national association, and paddle
it's own canoe, but to do that would be
knowledgment that they had been wrong.
There were other speeches from members of
the advisory committee. and they all thought it
would be proper to send delegates to ST. Louis,
and if they were refused admttance the State
organization would not be injured in its
efficiency, and would be continued as indie
pendent body.
The vote the proposition to apply for adj
mission to the convention will be taken this
morning. and il it is favorable, as it will I'M
doubtedly be, the memorial will be drafs ed be-
fore the adjournment of the reunion.
A committee resolutions was appointed and
will submit a report at this mornings session.
Congratulatory kilograms were received dur
ing the afternoon by President Wulschner from
the State presidents of Illinois, Ohio, and from
a number of local corps in several States.
Last evening Mr.. and Mrs. Wulschner gave
reception to the delegates and a large number of
invited friends at their residence, No. 410 North
Meridian street. In all between 200 and 300 per-
present. The beautiful lawn
decorated with Chinese lanterns. and the house
bedecked with national coors and G. A. r. and
w. r. G. emblems. Mrs. Walter Mccoy, of
Louisville, recited several selections, some of
the best musicians in the city furnished in
strumental music, and the members of the G. A.
K. amused themselves by singing old army
songs. Refreshments were served.